System for dynamic diagnosis of apparatus operating conditions

ABSTRACT

A diagnostic platform includes a processor, storage media and user interfaces, including a display screen, the processor being coupled to engine analyzer hardware and adapted to be coupled to a scanner for downloading data from vehicle on-board computers. The system stores libraries of information regarding vehicle identifications, drivability symptoms exhibited by vehicles, vehicle system and component tests and service codes which can be registered by the vehicle on-board computer. System software permits the user to input an identification of the vehicle under test and, in one mode of operation, displays a library of faults, such as symptoms or service codes, from which the user can select those exhibited by the vehicle, whereupon the system selects from the test library those tests pertinent to diagnosis of the causes of the selected faults and displays them in a hierarchically ranked order based on likelihood of successful diagnosis of the faults. The user can then select and initiate any displayed test. In other modes, the system initially displays one of the libraries of system or component tests, from which the user selects those deemed appropriate, whereupon the system highlights icons which can be selected for initiating pertinent test procedures. Selected test procedures may include links to the engine analyzer or scanner hardware or other appropriate test modules.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No.60/063,361, filed Oct. 28, 1997.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates generally to test and diagnosis systemsfor machines or other operating apparatus, and has particularapplication to automotive vehicles, particularly vehicles powered byinternal combustion engines. While the invention is described in thecontext of an engine analyzer system, the principles of the presentinvention are usable with other types of vehicle diagnostic systems,such as air conditioning testing and servicing systems, wheel balancingsystems, automotive gas emissions analysis systems, and the like, andare also usable with non-automotive apparatus.

A number of different types of diagnostic tools have been heretoforeused to assist in diagnosis and repair of fault conditions in automotivevehicles. Such tools include engine analyzers, which are designed tomonitor a variety of operating conditions of an internal combustionengine, and scanners for downloading data from vehicle on-boardcomputers. In addition, diagnostic tools may include such standardlaboratory-type tools as laboratory oscilloscopes, digital volt-Ohmmeters (“DVOM”) and the like. Basically, these various diagnostic toolsfall into two categories, data providers and platform diagnostics,although some engine analyzers, such as that disclosed in U.S. Pat. No.5,250,935, can interface with scanners and can operate in a modesimulating a lab scope and/or a DVOM.

Data providers (e.g., DVOMs, scanners and laboratory oscilloscopes),simply give the user data, and the user must determine his owndiagnostic test procedures and conclusions. Data provider tools relycompletely on the user's ability to decide which tool to use and what todo with the data provided, including selection of tests which should beperformed, interpreting the test results and the like.

Platform products, e.g., engine analyzers, are typically high-endsystems capable of performing a variety of different types of tests.They may provide the user with automatic test sequences thatsystematically test the vehicle in a particular order and then providediagnostic conclusions based on the test results. Platform products,such as engine analyzers, are usually focused on particular types ofproblems or particular vehicle systems. They may take considerable timeto hook up all the necessary leads and perform the comprehensive tests,and the user must decide which product to use and how the test datashould be integrated into an overall diagnosis.

There are also information systems available as stand-alone softwarepackages which provide service and repair information for a wide varietyof automotive vehicles. However, such products are difficult to navigatethrough to find the information needed for diagnosis and repair and theyare typically based only on original equipment diagnostic information,and may not contain information on problems experienced in the fieldover the life of the vehicle.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

It is a general object of the invention to provide an improveddiagnostic system which avoids the disadvantages of prior such systemswhile affording additional structural and operating advantages.

An important feature of the invention is the provision of a diagnosticsystem which will guide the user in the selection of tests to beperformed and minimize the performance of needless tests.

In connection with the foregoing feature, a further feature of theinvention is the provision of a diagnostic system of the type set forthwhich permits fault-based selection of tests.

Yet another feature of the invention is the provision of a diagnosticsystem of the type set forth which facilitates modification and updatingto include information on problems and cures experienced in the fieldover the life of an apparatus under test.

Still another feature of the invention is the provision of a diagnosticsystem of the type set forth which can be readily integrated withpre-existing diagnostic hardware platforms.

In connection with the foregoing feature, a still further feature of theinvention is the provision of a diagnostic system of the type set forthwhich is modular.

Yet another feature of the invention is the provision of a diagnosticsystem of the type set forth, which is designed to rank selected testsin an order most likely to successfully diagnose an apparatus problem.

Another feature of the invention is the provision of a diagnostic systemof the type set forth which includes storage of the results of userapplications of the system, for later incorporation in system updates.

The invention consists of certain novel features and a combination ofparts hereinafter fully described, illustrated in the accompanyingdrawings, and particularly pointed out in the appended claims, it beingunderstood that various changes in the details may be made withoutdeparting from the spirit, or sacrificing any of the advantages of thepresent invention.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

For the purpose of facilitating an understanding of the invention, thereis illustrated in the accompanying drawings a preferred embodimentthereof, from an inspection of which, when considered in connection withthe following description, the invention, its construction andoperation, and many of its advantages should be readily understood andappreciated.

FIG. 1 is a functional block diagram of an engine analyzer incorporatingthe diagnostic system of the present invention;

FIGS. 2-5 are screen displays of an engine analyzer incorporating thediagnostic system of the present invention; and

FIG. 6 is a flow chart diagram of program software for the diagnosticsystem of the present invention

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT

Referring to FIG. 1, there is illustrated a functional block diagram ofa diagnostic platform 10 incorporating the diagnostic system of thepresent invention. The platform 10 is illustrated as relating to anengine analyzer system but, as was indicated above, it could beapplicable to other types of vehicle or non-vehicle diagnostic systems.The platform 10 includes engine analyzer hardware 11, which typicallyincludes a test lead boom 12, including a plurality of test leads andsensors adapted to be connected to various points of an associatedvehicle engine, and signal processing and conditioning hardware 13 forinterfacing the test lead boom to a central processor 14. Preferably,the diagnostic platform 10 is a personal computer (“PC”)-WINDOWS®-basedplatform, such as that provided in the Suns System 500 engine analyzersold by Snap-on Diagnostics, but it will be appreciated that the presentinvention would also be usable with other types of engine analyzersystems, such as that disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 5,250,935. Thediagnostic platform 10 typically includes a user interface, which mayinclude any one or more of different input/output devices, such as akeyboard 16, a mouse 17, a display device or monitor 18, and a printer19. Also, the diagnostic platform 10 is typically provided with storagemedia 20, which may include one or more of a number of different typesof data and software storage devices, including RAM 21, ROM 22, CD ROMdrive 23, floppy drive 24 and hard drive 25. The dynamic diagnosticsystem of the present invention includes program software, which may beresident in ROM 22, or which may comprise a stand-alone software packagestored in any of the media 23-25.

A fundamental aspect of the invention is that it permits a fault-baseddrivability diagnosis of a vehicle. In such a fault-based mode ofoperation, the system essentially presents the user with a menu ofproblems indicated, e.g., by symptoms or service codes, and the userselects those problems which are pertinent to the vehicle under test.Based upon the selected faults, the system then presents the user with alist of tests to be performed to diagnose the cause or causes of thefaults. The tests are listed in the order in which they would mostlikely be effective in diagnosing the vehicle faults, based upon themanufacturer's information and previous repair and diagnosis experiencewith this type of vehicle.

It is a significant aspect of the invention that the diagnosis system isalso capable of operating in other modes, viz., a System Testing mode, aComponent Testing mode and a Manual mode. In all modes, except for theManual mode, the system will display one or more tests to be performedon the vehicle from a library of system tests and component tests,representative examples of which are illustrated in the drawings.

Any use of the diagnostic system of the present invention starts with avehicle identification procedure for the vehicle to be diagnosed.Referring to FIG. 2, there is illustrated a screen display 30 on themonitor 18, which may be a digital computer-type display. The displayscreen 30 has arrayed across the top thereof a series of icons 31-35,respectively designated “Vehicle Identification”, “Test/Analysis”,“Manual Testing”, “Information”, and “Shop Management.” For purposes ofimplementing the vehicle identification procedure, the icon 31 isselected, bringing up the screen display shown in FIG. 2. The systempresents the user with a number of questions or fields, such as modelyear, make, model name, engine size and the like, each field presentingthe user with a menu of unique values from within that field from whichthe user may select. The user makes a selection for that field in awell-known manner, such as by use of the mouse 17, and the value isadded to the database search key. FIG. 2 illustrates several such fieldsand the menus associated therewith. If a menu exceeds the length of itsassociated display window, the menu can be scrolled in a known manner byuse of a scroll bar icon. The system is dynamic as to the number ofquestions the user must answer to identify the vehicle, allowing theuser to identify the vehicle without having to answer any unnecessaryquestions. In order to perform system diagnostics, the vehicleidentification must have resolution to at least the year, make, model,engine size, engine code, fuel type, ignition type and air measurementtype for the vehicle. During run time, if additional vehicle informationis needed to perform a selected test, the system will so indicate andpresent the user with the appropriate fields and menus to enter theneeded information.

Once the vehicle is identified, the user is able to begin diagnosis byselecting the Test/Analysis icon 32, which brings up a screen displaysimilar to that in FIG. 3, presenting three different files 36-38,respectively labeled “Symptoms”, “Component/System” and “Service Codes”,corresponding to the above-described automatic diagnostic modes. The“Symptoms” and “Service Codes” files relate to fault-based modes. Whilethe following discussion is with respect to the Symptom Testing mode, italso applies in general to the Service Code Testing mode of operation.If the Symptom file is selected, it is displayed in the foreground inthe screen display 39 of FIG. 3. The screen display 39 includes a menu40 of symptoms which can be exhibited by the vehicle type selected inthe screen display 30 of FIG. 2, which vehicle type is indicated at thebottom of the screen display 39, as at 41. The list of symptomspresented to the user is representative of industry symptom diagnosisand supports the majority of drivability complaints.

A standard list of symptoms is possible because vehicles use commontechnology. They each have mechanical, ignition, fuel, and computercomponents that function in roughly the same manner. Other more specificsymptoms can usually be assigned to one or more of the symptoms from themain symptom list. For example, a specific symptom of “Vehicle Dies WhenTaking a Right Turn” will fit under a less specific symptom of “VehicleDies at Idle/Deceleration/Braking.” The tests to diagnose the conditionare generally the same. A standard list of symptoms is used because itprovides a consistent interface and diagnostic philosophy for allvehicles, promotes technician and service writer familiarization andprovides the most efficient manner of developing a “closed loop” systemof classifying field data for symptoms and their causes, as will bediscussed more fully below.

The user/technician selects one or more of the listed symptoms which areexhibited by the vehicle under test, as determined from an interviewwith the vehicle owner, for example. Based upon the symptom or symptomsselected, the display screen 39 displays a list 42, specific to thevehicle under test, of possible causes of the symptom or symptomsselected and a counterpart list of test procedures to be performed tocheck for those causes. The test procedures are listed in the order ofthe probability or likelihood that the test will be successful indiagnosing the cause of the selected symptom or symptoms, this rankingbeing displayed as at 43.

In developing the test rankings, during development of the software,focus group technicians evaluate each individual symptom in the symptomlist for each specific vehicle. Based on their experience, they developa list of causes for each symptom and determine a test procedure theuser should perform for each cause. They then assign a number, e.g.,between one and five, to each cause/test based on:

-   -   (a) what tests are needed to determine the cause of the        symptoms;    -   (b) the order in which the tests should be performed based on        probability of cause; and    -   (c) in the event of more than one cause having equal        probability, ranking the test recommendations by time needed to        perform the test procedure, with the shorter times ranked        higher.

There are three main criteria in determining the probability of causefor each test, being, in the order of importance:

-   -   1. hands-on experience in diagnosing the symptom to cause/test        relationship;    -   2. theory of operation knowledge of how the system works and        what systems or components would be the most likely cause for        each symptom, and    -   3. ease of testing and/or time needed to perform the test.

In assessing the rank, hands-on experience is the first thing to beconsidered. The technician uses the following as a guide in assessingrank: RANK OCCURRENCE 5 See it all the time 4 Very common 3 Fairlycommon 2 Once it awhile 1 SeldomIf a test/cause is borderline between two rankings, the technician usesease of testing as the determining factor. For example: a particularsymptom has a fuel delivery test/cause ranking of between 3 and 4. Ifthe test is easy to perform, it is ranked a 4. If it is hard to perform,it is ranked a 3. Ease of testing is only used as a trim factor inassessing rank.

If the technician has no hands-on experience of a symptom to cause/testrelationship, the symptom is then examined from a theory of operationviewpoint. Given the technician's knowledge of how the system operatesand comparing causes/tests to similar systems, the technician examinesif there are other probable cause/tests for each symptom. If so, theyare ranked as follows: RANK PROBABILITY 3 Very probable 2 Probable 1PossibleIf a test/cause is borderline between two rankings, ease of testing isused to assign to rank, as outlined above.

If, as in FIG. 3, the user selects more than one symptom and aparticular cause is found to be possible for more than one of theselected symptoms, the probability of that cause being the root problemwill increase and the recommendation for the associated test will movehigher in the recommended testing order.

Once the symptom or symptoms have been selected and the associatedrecommended test procedures displayed, the user can then select one ofthe displayed test procedures, and the system will then launch orinitiate that procedure. While the screen display 39 lists a recommendedorder for performing listed tests, the user is free to perform the testsin any order desired.

The screen display 39 includes along a bottom of the screen a series oficons 44-48, respectively corresponding to system modules useful inperforming selected test procedures. The module icons shown in FIG. 3are for purposes of illustration only, and are respectively designated“Quick Tip”, “Analyzer”, “Scan Tool”, “Shop Key” and “Lab Scope/DVOM.”

Quick Tips are informational articles pertaining to the symptom of thevehicle being diagnosed. This module provides the technician withinformation that allows the vehicle to be diagnosed with a minimum ofhookup and testing. These tips are created by the technician focusgroups based on their experience in diagnosing the selected symptoms.This up-front information could save hours of diagnostic type. Whenpresented to the user, Quick Tips are preferably ranked in the order ofimportance on a scale of, e.g., 1-5, with 5 being most important. Theranking differentiates between “need to know” and “nice to know”information.

The Shop Key module is a test link that sends the user directly to alibrary of articles which provides the user with pertinent OEM componenttest procedures.

The Analyzer module is a link to engine analyzer functions of theplatform 10, while the Lab Scope/DVOM module is a link to Lab Scope andDVOM functions of the platform 10. The Scan Tool module is a link tofunctions of a scanner, such as that sold by Snap-on Diagnostics underthe designation MT2500, which is adapted to be coupled to the on-boardcomputer of the vehicle under test.

Once the user selects the test to be performed, the system queries thetest library database to determine which module or modules support theparticular test to be performed and will then enable and highlight thecorresponding icons. When a test procedure is supported by multiplemodules, the system indicates which module is deemed most effective byflashing the highlighted icon. When the user selects a highlighted icon,the system launches the appropriate test, or sends the user to thecorresponding article in Shop Key, if that is the selected icon.

Launching of a particular test procedure will typically includeinitiation of a sequence of screen displays directing the user in theperformance of the test procedure. For example, if the Scan Tool moduleis being implemented, the user will be instructed in the manner ofconnecting and using the associated scanner for downloading informationfrom the vehicle on-board computer and/or controlling operation ofcertain computer functions, all in a known manner. If, on the otherhand, the Analyzer module is selected, the instructions for conductingthe selected test procedure will typically include connection of thetest leads to the associated vehicle, desired engine operatingconditions and the like, all in a known manner.

The initial diagnostic data for this system is gleaned primarily fromfocus groups containing OEM technicians because their affiliation with aparticular OEM provides them with concentrated exposure to thosevehicles and increased access to OEM information. However, theirexperience is usually limited to vehicles less than three years old.Furthermore, their data tends to reflect the problems that exist in thegeographical area in which the OEM technicians live. Data gathered inFlorida may not accurately reflect the problems existing in a Minnesotawinter. The diagnostics of the present system must change over the lifeof the vehicle to more accurately reflect the problems that occur as thevehicle accumulates mileage and to gain a broader geographicalapplication.

Accordingly, during symptom diagnosis a “Confirm Diagnosis” icon (notshown) may be made available on the screen. When the user has performeda selected test procedure and has found the root cause for the selectedsymptom or symptoms, the user selects the Confirm Diagnosis icon. Thesystem then displays the symptoms that were selected at the beginning ofthe diagnosis and the list of recommended tests. The user can choose thetest that found the problem and that data is saved to a database. Inthat database, the system stores the current vehicle, the selectedsymptoms, the test name, and gives the test a count of 1 for each of theselected symptoms. If a test other than the recommended tests found theproblem, the user is presented with a text box to enter a briefdescription of the test used to isolate the cause of the symptoms. Thatdata is also saved. The saved data is retrieved via modem during asoftware update process. Data verification and analysis routines willscreen the updated data. It will review the number of times eachcause/test diagnosed each symptom for each specific vehicle. It willthen compare this ratio with the recommendations stored in the databaseand will modify the ranking order as needed. Each of the user-enteredrepairs will also be reviewed to determine if a new test should bedeveloped for the system or if the information should be added as aQuick Tip.

FIG. 6 is a flow chart illustrating the software program for the presentinvention using fault-based modes, such as the Symptom Testing mode orthe Service Code Testing mode. First, at 50, the user enters vehicleidentification information using a screen like that of FIG. 2, and thenselects the Test/Analysis icon, which will bring up a screen (see FIG.3) which will permit the user to select Symptom Testing, Component orSystem Testing or Service Code Testing mode of operation. When eitherthe Symptom Testing mode or the Service Code Testing mode is selected,the program accesses the appropriate database at 51 and displays thefaults (symptoms or service codes) to the user, as in the screen of FIG.3. The user selects one or more faults at 52, and the system then, at53, accesses the database with the selected faults and builds a list ofapplicable causes and related test procedures. In this regard, theprogram asks at 54 how many faults were selected and, if one wasselected it sorts the list at 55 by rank and presents it to the user, asin the screen of FIG. 3, highlighting any tests which have beenpreviously performed at 56. If, at 54, more than one fault was selected,the program at 57 would then apply a ranking algorithm for eachcause/test and again sort the list, presenting it to the user in theform of a screen such as that of FIG. 3. The user then, at 58, selectsthe test to be performed, and the system at 59 spawns the test,prompting the user, as necessary, in the performance thereof. Then, theuser will indicate, using an appropriate icon (not shown), whether ornot the test identified the cause of the fault, thereby to answer theprogram query at 60. If it did not, the program highlights that test inthe list at 61 and the user then selects another test. If the test dididentify the fault, the program at 62 stores that information for laterretrieval. The system then asks at 63 if testing is to continue. If so,the last test performed is again highlighted at 61 and, if not, thesystem exits the fault testing mode at 64.

In the Service Code Testing mode of diagnosis, the operation isbasically as described above, except that the technician uses thevehicle service codes as the diagnostic starting point, and the servicecodes are specific to individual vehicles. When the user selects thismode, by selecting the file 38 at the screen of FIG. 3, the system willallow two different starting methods. In the first method, the systemwill prompt the user as necessary through a service code accessprocedure and will utilize the Scan Tool module to read the existingservice codes from the vehicle. The system then presents the user with amenu of only the service codes currently stored in the vehicle'scomputer memory. The user then selects the code he wishes to diagnose.In the second method, the technician has previously retrieved thevehicle's service codes. The system then presents the user with a screendisplay displaying a menu of all service codes possible on the vehiclebeing tested. The user selects the code he wishes to diagnose.

Based upon the service code or codes selected, the display screendisplays a list of possible causes of the service codes selected and acounterpart list of test procedures to be performed to check for thosecauses, just as in FIG. 3, above. The test procedures are listed in theorder of the probablity or the likelihood that the test will besuccessful in diagnosing the cause of the selected service code.Selection and launching of a displayed test procedure is accomplished inthe same manner described above in connection with the Symptom Testingmode of FIG. 3.

System Testing mode, which can be entered by selecting thecomponent/System file icon 37 at the screen 39 of FIG. 3, verifiesoperation of a vehicle subsystem and primarily uses engine analyzersystem tests. In this mode of testing, the system does not guide thetechnician in determining which tests should be performed. Thetechnician uses his own experience to determine which tests arenecessary and the order in which they should be performed. Many of thesetests are procedural. Each test contains prompting and data collectioncapability. At the completion of the test a diagnostic engine evaluatesthe data and presents the diagnostic conclusions.

The system initially, at screen display 65, presents the user with amenu 66 of applicable system tests, as illustrated in FIG. 4. Thetechnician selects the desired test from the menu and the systemhighlights the applicable ones of the module icons 44-48. The userselects a highlighted module and an associated test is launched. If theuser returns to the system testing screen of FIG. 4, any test that hasbeen previously completed will be shown in a different color. Thisprovides a mechanism to track which tests have been performed in thisdiagnostic session. The system prompts the user during the performanceof each test and also collects the test data and, at the completion ofthe test, evaluates the data and presents the user with diagnosticconclusions. Once the test is completed, the system will indicate thisfact, so that it is not inadvertently repeated.

If Component Testing mode is selected, the screen display 67 of FIG. 5will appear. Component tests verify the operation of a single componentof the vehicle. In this mode of testing, the system does not guide thetechnician in determining which tests should be performed. Thetechnician uses his own experience to determine which tests arenecessary and the order in which they should be performed.

The component test database contains pointers to tests in the testlibrary which apply to the specific vehicle being tested. The list ofvehicle component tests available to the user is dynamic, since eachvehicle has potentially a unique set of components. The component testlibrary may contain hundreds of component tests. The screen display 67of FIG. 5, lists the available component tests for the vehicle beingdiagnosed. The user selects the appropriate component test. The systemwill highlight the applicable modules using the icons 44-48 that supporttesting the selected component. The user selects a highlighted module tolaunch an appropriate test, in essentially the same manner as wasdescribed above in connection with the system-based diagnosis mode.

From the foregoing, it can be seen that there has been provided animproved dynamic diagnostic system which accommodates a number ofdifferent diagnostic methods, including problem-based diagnosis, andwhich is easily updated to take account of service experience with thevehicle during its useful life.

While particular embodiments of the present invention have been shownand described, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art thatchanges and modifications may be made without departing from theinvention in its broader aspects. The matter set forth in the foregoingdescription and accompanying drawings is offered by way of illustrationonly and not as a limitation.

1. A diagnostic system comprising: a processor operating under storedprogram control, a storage mechanism coupled to the processor andstoring a knowledge database including a library of information itemsrelating to faults which can be experienced by an apparatus underdiagnosis and a library of tests which can be performed on the apparatusfor the purpose of diagnosing the causes of the faults, a user interfaceincluding a display screen and a data input device both coupled to theprocessor for interactive control thereby, and a computer routineexecuted by the processor for controlling the operation of the displaydevice, said computer routine including; (a) a first portion operativeto display a collection of information items, and (b) a second portionresponsive to user selection of one or more displayed information itemsby use of said data input device for selecting from the library of teststhose tests applicable to diagnosing of the cause of the fault relatedto the selected information item or items, hierarchically arranging theselected tests in a list in the order of their likelihood ofsuccessfully diagnosing of the cause of the fault, and displaying thehierarchically arranged list of tests.
 2. The system of claim 1, whereinsaid information items include symptoms exhibited by the apparatus underdiagnosis.
 3. The system of claim 1, wherein said information itemsinclude service codes for the apparatus under diagnosis.
 4. The systemof claim 1, wherein said computer routine includes a portion operativeto display lists of apparatus identification information and permittinguser selection of a specific type of apparatus to be diagnosed by use ofsaid data input device, said first and second portions of said computerroutine being operative only with respect to information items and testspertinent to the selected apparatus type.
 5. A diagnostic systemcomprising: a processor operating under stored program control, astorage mechanism coupled to the processor and storing a knowledgedatabase including a library of information items relating to faultswhich can be experienced by an apparatus under diagnosis and a libraryof tests which can be performed on the apparatus for the purpose ofdiagnosing the causes of the faults, a user interface including adisplay screen and a data input device both coupled to the processor forinteractive control thereby, a test probe assembly coupled to theprocessor and adapted to be coupled to an apparatus for acquiringparameter data therefrom for testing thereof, and a computer routineexecuted by the processor for controlling the operation of the displaydevice, said computer routine including; (a) a first portion operativeto display a collection of information items, (b) a second portionresponsive to user selection of one or more displayed information itemsby use of said data input device for selecting from the library of teststhose tests applicable to diagnosing of the cause of the fault relatedto the selected information item or items, hierarchically arranging theselected tests in a list in the order of their likelihood ofsuccessfully diagnosing of the cause of the fault, and displaying thehierarchically arranged list of tests, and (c) a third portionresponsive to user selection of one of the displayed tests by use ofsaid data input device for initiating a display sequence associated withperformance of the selected test procedure by use of the test probeassembly.
 6. The system of claim 5, wherein said information itemsinclude symptoms exhibited by the apparatus under diagnosis.
 7. Thesystem of claim 5, wherein said information items include service codesfor the apparatus under diagnosis.
 8. The system of claim 5, whereinsaid computer routine includes a portion operative to display lists ofapparatus identification information and permitting user selection of aspecific type of apparatus to be diagnosed by use of said data inputdevice, said first and second and third portions of said computerroutine being operative only with respect to information items and testspertinent to the selected apparatus type.
 9. The system of claim 5,wherein said computer routine includes a portion responsive to said datainput device for causing storage of user-input information regarding theresults of the performance of selected test procedures in diagnosing thecause of apparatus faults.
 10. An automotive diagnostic systemcomprising: a processor operating under stored program control, astorage mechanism coupled to the processor and storing a knowledgedatabase including a library of apparatus parameters which can betested, a user interface including a display screen and a data inputdevice both coupled to the processor for interactive control thereby,hardware and software diagnostic modules coupled to the processor withthe hardware modules adapted to be coupled to the apparatus, each ofsaid modules being associated with test procedures which can beperformed on the apparatus for the purpose of diagnosing the causes offaults, and a computer routine executed by the processor for controllingthe operation of the display device, said computer routine including;(a) a first portion operative to display a list of the apparatusparameters from the library, (b) a second portion responsive to userselection of a displayed parameter by use of said data input device forindicating one or more diagnostic modules associated with testprocedures pertinent to the selected parameter, and (c) a third portionresponsive to user selection of an indicated module by use of said datainput device for initiating a display sequence for performance ofassociated test procedures.
 11. The system of claim 10, wherein saidlibrary of parameters includes identification of apparatus subsystemsand test procedures associated therewith.
 12. The system of claim 10,wherein said library of parameters includes identifications of apparatuscomponents and test procedures associated therewith.
 13. The system ofclaim 10, wherein the associated apparatus has an on-board computer,said library of parameters including service codes which can beregistered by said on-board computer.
 14. The system of claim 13,wherein said modules include a link to a scanner adapted for connectionto the apparatus on-board computer for reading service codes therefrom.15. The system of claim 10, wherein the apparatus under diagnosis is anautomotive vehicle engine and said modules include a link to an engineanalyzer.